JP4714846B2 - Photo processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention provides an image determination unit that acquires image data for creating a photo print, performs various determinations on the acquired image data, and a print processing unit that generates a photo print based on the image data. The present invention relates to a processing apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a photographic processing apparatus in which a test printing process is performed in a determination process by an image determination unit.

  A photographic processing apparatus that creates a photographic print acquires image data from an appropriate image forming medium, and appropriately performs image quality correction on the acquired image data to create a photographic print. The setting of the image quality correction parameter is determined with reference to a thumbnail image (reduced image) displayed on the monitor. The process of setting correction parameters for performing image quality correction on image data before photo print processing is called prejudgment. Specifically, various correction parameters such as color / density correction, sharpness correction, and red-eye correction are used. Is a process for setting. However, only a reduced image can be confirmed on the monitor, and there is a slight difference in color reproduction between the actual photographic print and what is displayed on the monitor. In such a case, as a method for determining a fine correction parameter, a method is adopted in which the parameter is set in several stages and printed as a test. In particular, it is desired to appropriately correct the color, density, and the like for an image including a human image. Patent Document 1 is known as an apparatus capable of executing test print processing. Hereinafter, “test print” is referred to as “test print”.

JP 2004-159059 A

  However, when the test print process is executed, the correction parameters for the target frame image cannot be determined until the test print process is completed, so pre-judge processing for other frame images and pre-judge processing for the next order can be performed. There wasn't. That is, since the pre-judge process could not be performed during the test printing process, the efficiency of the pre-judge process was lowered from the viewpoint of the entire apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem is that, when performing a test print, it is possible to perform pre-judge processing of other image data and improve the overall pre-judge processing efficiency. It is to provide a processing device.

In order to solve the above problems, a photographic processing apparatus according to the present invention provides:
Image determination means comprising image input means for acquiring image data for creating a photo print, an image determination unit for making various determinations on the acquired image data, and a print processing unit for generating a photo print based on the image data A photo processing apparatus configured to be able to create a test print during a determination process by a copy unit,
When the test printing process is performed in the first order determination process by the image determination unit, the determination process for interrupting the first order determination process and enabling the second order determination process stored in the storage unit An interruption means is provided.

  The operation and effect of the photographic processing apparatus having such a configuration will be described. Image data is acquired, and the acquired image data is subjected to determination processing in units of normal orders. Here, the determination processing is processing for performing various determinations such as the above-described pre-judge, print size, and number of prints. In such a determination process, test print is performed on an arbitrary frame image. At this time, the order determination process is interrupted (for example, an interruption instruction is given by instructing an interruption key or the like). By this interruption, the image data of the next order is read from the storage means or the image input means, and the determination process can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to perform different order determination processing even during the test printing process, and the overall determination processing efficiency can be improved.

In the present invention, the determination processing interruption means is
When the determination process of the first order is interrupted, the image data after the test print target is stored in the storage means,
When the interrupted determination process is restarted, it is preferable that the determination process is restarted from the image data to be printed by test printing.

  According to such a configuration, in the image data of the order interrupted during the test print, the image data after the test print target is stored in the storage unit. When the interrupted judgment process is resumed, the determination process is resumed from the image data to be printed by test printing. Therefore, the determination process can be performed on the image data after the test print target image simply by selecting the interrupted order, so that the determination process is performed on the already-determined image data. Absent.

In the present invention, the determination processing interruption means is
In the determination process of the first order, after the determination process of all image data other than the image data to be printed by test printing, the test printing process is performed, and the determination process is interrupted.
It is another preferred embodiment that the determination process for only the image data to be printed by test printing is restarted when the interrupted determination process is resumed.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to perform determination processing for image data other than the image to be printed by test printing before starting the test printing process. After that, the test printing process is started, the determination process is interrupted, and another order determination process can be performed. When the interrupted determination process is resumed, it is only necessary to perform the determination process for the image data to be subjected to the test printing process, so that the determination process time after the restart can be shortened, and as a result, the processing efficiency of the entire apparatus is improved. The In addition, the amount of image data stored in the storage unit can be reduced, which is preferable because the storage capacity of the storage unit is not compressed.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the notification unit notifies the end information indicating that the test print processing has ended after the test print processing.

  In addition, the notification unit notifies the end information between the order and the order process when the interrupted order determination process is not resumed even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the test printing is completed. Constructing is a preferred embodiment.

  According to such a configuration, since it can be recognized that the test printing process has been completed, the restart process can be performed immediately after the notification. Further, even if the user forgets that the order has been interrupted, the fact that the order has been interrupted can be grasped by this notification, and the interrupted order can be resumed.

  In the present invention, an “order” is an order unit when a photographic print is created. “One order” refers to a group of image data relating to a print order for one film or one recording medium, but is not limited to this, and the concept of one order is appropriately set by an operator. can do. The same applies hereinafter.

  A preferred embodiment of a photographic processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an entire photographic processing system including a photographic processing apparatus.

<Overall system configuration>
In FIG. 1, a photo processing apparatus 100 has a function of creating a photo print based on acquired digital image data. The image data includes image data of a developed negative film frame image acquired from a film scanner (corresponding to one of image input means) provided in the photographic processing apparatus 100, image data transmitted via a network, etc. Can be given.

  The reception terminal 20 is installed in a store and can receive image data stored in a recording medium of a digital camera or other recording media. Examples of recording media include Compact Flash (registered trademark), SmartMedia (registered trademark), Memory Stick (registered trademark), CD-R, and DVD-R. The reception terminal 20 is mainly operated by a customer, and can insert a recording medium brought by the customer himself, select image data to be printed, set the number of prints, print size, and the like. it can. Of course, the store clerk may operate the reception terminal 20.

  The recording device 40 has a function of writing image data acquired by the photo processing device 100 to a recording medium such as a CD-R and a DVD-R, and a function of reading image data from the recording medium. The network reception terminal 50 (configured by a personal computer) has a function of receiving image data relating to a print order via the Internet. The photo processing device 100, the reception terminal 20, the recording device 40, and the network reception terminal 50 are connected by a network (for example, a LAN). Further, the number of installed photo processing apparatuses 100, reception terminals 20, recording apparatuses 40, and net reception terminals 50 is not limited to one, and a plurality of apparatuses can be installed as necessary.

  A server 60 installed on the Internet provides a function of accepting an online print order. When placing a print order, image data relating to print processing is uploaded from a personal computer 70 connected to the Internet, and the image data is stored in the server 60. Printing processing can be performed by downloading the image data from the server 60 from the network reception terminal 50. As a system that accepts print processing online, a known system can be used.

<Functional block configuration of photo processing system>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions of the photographic processing apparatus 100 that forms the center of the photographic processing system. The film scanner 1 acquires digital image data by scanning a frame image formed on a developed negative film (photographic film). The image acquisition unit 2 acquires image data transmitted mainly via a network. The film scanner 1 and the image acquisition unit 2 correspond to an image input unit. A communication control unit 3 is provided for performing communication via a network. The image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 2 is image data stored in the recording medium of the digital camera or image data stored in the Internet server 60. It should be noted that the photo processing apparatus 100 itself may be configured to be able to attach a recording medium and to acquire image data directly from the recording medium.

<Configuration of image determination unit>
The image determination unit 4 provides a function for the operator to make a determination on the acquired image data, and this function is mainly provided by software. This is to determine whether or not a photographic print having an appropriate image quality is created before creating a photographic print based on the image data, and such work is referred to as pre-judgement. The image determination unit 4 is provided with a correction data setting unit 4a, a print data setting unit 4b, and a thumbnail image creation unit 4c as main functions, which will be described with reference to FIG. The pre-judge is not necessarily performed, and the pre-judge can be omitted and the printing process can be performed.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a monitor screen for performing pre-judgement. On the screen, frame images to be printed are displayed every six frames. The frame image to be prejudged is surrounded by the image selection frame 30. The frame number of the frame image is displayed in the frame number display field 31. The print size of the photo print is displayed in the print size display field 32. The number of prints can be set in the print number setting column 33. Color and density correction data can be input to the color correction data setting field 34 and the density correction data setting field 35. The correction data setting unit 4a provides a function of inputting correction data for correcting the color and density as described above, and the input of the correction data is set as necessary. Examples of other correction data settings include special correction settings such as red-eye correction and backlight correction.

  As the setting of the number of prints, 1 is set by default for the image data acquired from the film scanner 1, but it can be changed by an operator's input operation. For image data acquired via the network, it is preferable that the operator cannot change the setting because the number of prints to be ordered has already been set by the customer. This print number setting data is included in the print data and is provided by the function of the print data setting unit 4b. In addition to the number of prints, the print data includes the print size, paper surface quality (such as glossy surface and silk), and whether or not the print has a border.

  The frame image shown in FIG. 3 is a thumbnail image, and is obtained by reducing the acquired image data. In the case of image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 2, a thumbnail image can be created based on the acquired original image data. This is provided by the function of the thumbnail image creation unit 4c. When obtaining negative film image data from the film scanner 1, a thumbnail image can be created based on image data obtained by pre-scanning the negative film.

  Here, the pre-scan and the main scan, which are scanning modes of the negative film, will be described. The pre-scan is a process of reading a developed negative film image with a rough number of pixels, and is performed to display the above-described thumbnail image. When pre-judgement is performed, high-resolution image data is not required, and scanning is performed with a coarse number of pixels in order to shorten the reading processing time.

  The main scan is a process for reading each frame image of the negative film at a high resolution, and is image data used to actually create a photographic print. Read high-resolution frame images to create high-quality photo prints. Also, during the main scan, the frame image for which the number of prints is set to 0 is not read.

<Configuration of order control unit>
The order control unit 5 provides a function of managing image data to be printed in order units. The order registration unit 5a has a function of registering and saving the order data for which the prejudgment has been completed by the image determination unit 4 in the storage device 6 (corresponding to a storage unit). The storage device 6 is conceptually composed of a part called a spooler 6a and another storage unit 6b. All order data to be printed is stored in the spooler 6a. Therefore, the order can be managed by storing the order data in the spooler 6a, and the print processing order and interrupt can be controlled. Both the spooler 6a and the storage unit 6b can be configured by a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk, but the spooler 6a and the storage unit 6b may be configured by separate hard disks in terms of hardware, A storage area of one hard disk may be divided to form an area that functions as the spooler 6a and other areas.

  Note that the order data refers to data for one order. The image data group included in one order, correction data set by the prejudgment, print data such as the number of prints, and data for specifying the order (order Identification ID, customer name, address, member ID, etc.). However, since most of the data amount of the order data is determined by the image data, there is no problem even if it is considered that the data amount of the order data is the data amount of the image data. In the case of image data obtained from a negative film, it is preferable to store not only main scan image data but also pre-scan image data as order data.

  The print processing control unit 5b gives a command to print the order data of the order to be printed. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the order management screen, in which a list of orders waiting to be processed and a list of completed orders are displayed. The list of orders waiting for processing basically displays a list of orders in the order in which print processing is performed. The status display column shows the processing status of the order, indicating that the top order is being printed, and that other orders are waiting for print processing. When the print processing is completed, the display shifts to the display column of the completed order, and the status display also changes to completion of the print processing. Normally, print processing is performed in the order according to the reception number.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the monitor 7 displays a screen for pre-judgement (see FIG. 3), an order management screen, and the like, and provides a screen necessary for performing print processing and the like. The input operation unit 8 is configured by a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and performs data input and settings necessary for print processing, and various commands.

  The image processing board 9 receives image data and correction data from the spooler 6a, performs image processing on the image data based on the correction data, and generates print image data used to create a photographic print. The image processing board 9 includes a reception memory, a processing circuit unit, and a development memory, and performs image processing designated in the processing circuit unit. Specifically, color / density correction based on the correction data, data expansion / contraction processing according to the set print size, and the like.

  Next, the configuration of the print processing unit will be briefly described with reference to FIG. In the paper magazine 10, paper as a photographic photosensitive material is accommodated in a roll shape. Two paper magazines 10 can be installed. For example, papers having different paper widths can be set in advance. The paper cutter 11 cuts long paper drawn from the paper magazine 10 so as to have a set print size.

  The exposure engine 12 receives print image data transmitted from the development memory of the image processing board 9, and prints and exposes an image on the emulsion surface of the paper based on the print image data. The exposure engine 12 is not limited to a specific type, and for example, a laser engine, a CRT engine, a PLZT engine, or the like can be used.

  The development processing unit 13 performs development processing on the paper on which the image is printed and exposed, and the drying processing unit 14 performs drying processing on the developed paper. Finished photographic prints are discharged from the paper discharge unit 15 to the outside of the apparatus main body, and are collected in units of orders by a predetermined stacking device (not shown).

  The paper sensor 16 detects the paper discharged from the paper discharge unit 15 and detects whether or not all the photo prints of a certain order have been discharged. The sensor control unit 17 controls the driving of the paper sensor 16 and receives and analyzes a signal from the paper sensor 16.

  The determination process interruption means 18 interrupts the first order determination process and enables the second order determination process when the test print process is performed in the first order determination process by the image determination unit 4. The determination processing interruption means 18 stores the image data after the test printing target in the storage means (the storage device 6 or a memory not shown) when the first order determination processing is interrupted, and is interrupted. When the determination process is restarted, the determination process is restarted from the image data to be printed by test printing. Further, the determination process interruption means 18 performs the test print process after the determination process of all image data other than the image data to be printed in the first order determination process, interrupts the determination process, and is interrupted. When the determination process is resumed, the determination process for only the image data to be printed by test printing may be resumed.

  When the sensor control unit 17 determines that the test print has been ejected, the notification unit 19 causes the monitor 7 to display end information indicating that the test print process has been completed. This display may be, for example, displaying end information (for example, “test baking finished”) in a pop-up display on the pre-judge screen. In addition, the notification unit 19 performs order and order processing (for example, determination processing, print processing, and the like) when the interrupted order determination processing is not resumed even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the test printing is completed. The end information may be notified during the film reading process or the like. The “predetermined period” is a preset period. For example, after the test print is discharged outside the apparatus, for example, 10 minutes (can be arbitrarily set), or the test print is discharged outside the apparatus. Then, it may be configured to notify when two or more print processes of other orders are executed (can be set to an arbitrary value), and can be set as appropriate.

  The determination processing interruption means 18 and the notification unit 19 are usually configured by software and operate in cooperation with hardware resources such as a CPU and a memory, but are configured by combining dedicated circuits, firmware, and the like. Also good.

<Processing Procedure of the Present Invention>
Next, the processing procedure when the determination process is interrupted during the test printing process and the determination process for another order is performed will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, the processing procedure of FIG. 5 will be described below. A case where an image is read from a negative film and subjected to a determination process will be described.

  A process for reading image data from a negative film is selected on the operation screen (see FIG. 7), and a determination process is performed (S1). As shown in FIG. 3, an image is displayed every six frames on the screen, and color / density, number of prints, print size, and the like are set. Here, for example, the third frame image is selected, and test printing is instructed (S2). In response to this instruction, a correction parameter obtained by finely adjusting the image of the third frame under a predetermined condition is set, and a test print is created. The creation of the test print is executed after completion of the print processing of another order, or is executed so as to interrupt the print processing by temporarily interrupting the print processing. Or can be designed as appropriate. Here, it is assumed that no other order has been subjected to print processing, and that a test print is immediately executed in response to a test print instruction.

  After the test printing instruction, an interruption instruction is issued in order to put the determination process into an interruption state (S3). In response to this instruction, the image data after the test print target image is stored in the storage unit 6b (S4). The image data and correction parameters for the frame image that has been subjected to the determination process are stored in the spooler 6a. When stored in the spooler 6a, the state is registered as "provisional registration" on the order management screen of FIG. Next, an image is read from another negative film or image data in order units acquired by the image acquisition unit 2 via a network is selected, and a determination process is performed (S5). When this determination process ends, the image data and correction parameters of this order are stored in the spooler 6a. Then, the status is registered as “waiting for printing” on the order management screen of FIG.

  When the process of the test print in step S2 is completed, for example, after the test print is discharged from the paper discharge unit 15, the notification unit 19 displays pop-up information on the screen indicating completion of the test print. (S6). This pop-up display may be displayed on the pre-judge screen (see FIG. 3) or may be displayed on the operation screen (see FIG. 7). Further, it is possible to pop up during the above-described determination process for different orders, and it may be configured to display after the determination process is completed. When the determination process is completed, it is preferable to display the end information in a pop-up manner because the determination process can be efficiently performed without disturbing the determination process. Note that the processing of the notification unit 19 may not be configured to be performed without fail.

  Next, when the determination process for another order is completed, a restart instruction is issued to restart the determination process for the suspended order (S7). This instruction is executed, for example, by selecting an interrupted order. By this instruction, the interrupted order image data stored in the storage unit 6b is read (S8). Here, the read image data is the image data after the image data to be printed by test printing.

  Then, determination processing is sequentially performed on the read image data (S9). When the determination process is executed for all the read image data, the determination process for this order ends. When the determination process ends, the image data and its correction parameters are stored in the spooler 6a in association with the order in the “provisional registration” state described above, and the state changes to “waiting for printing”. Thereby, the image data before and after being interrupted can be associated in the order, and the print processing can be executed as one order.

  In addition, it is not limited to reading image data from a negative film. It goes without saying that image data in order units can be acquired from the reception terminal 20 and the like, and the operator can arbitrarily select the image data in order units and perform determination processing. Nor.

  Next, referring to FIG. 6, a description will be given of a processing procedure in a case where image data other than the image data to be printed by test printing is subjected to determination processing, and then the test printing print processing is executed to be interrupted / resumed. In the following, since processing using the same reference numerals is the same as that described above, a brief description will be given.

  A process for reading image data from a negative film is selected on the operation screen (see FIG. 7), and a determination process is executed (S1). For an image to be test-printed, the “pass key” of the dedicated keyboard constituting the input operation unit 8 is selected (S20). Thereby, the determination process can be performed for the next frame image. For example, when the image of the fourth frame is printed by test printing, “pass key” is selected. Then, a determination process is performed on the fifth frame image of the next frame image.

  Then, determination processing is performed for all other image data (S21). Next, the screen returns to the image of the fourth frame for which the “pass key” has been selected earlier, and a test printing instruction is given (S22).

  Next, an interruption instruction (S3) is issued during the test printing process, and only the image data to be printed by the test printing is stored in the storage unit 6b (S23). As described above, the image data and the correction parameters that have been subjected to the determination process are stored in the spooler 6a. When stored in the spooler 6a, the state is registered as “provisional registration” on the order management screen.

  Then, another order determination process is executed (S5). When this determination process ends, the image data and correction parameters of this order are stored in the spooler 6a. Then, the status is registered as “waiting for printing” on the order management screen.

  When the test printing is completed, the completion information is notified (S6). When the interrupted order is resumed, when the interrupted order is selected (S7), only the image data to be test-printed is read from the storage unit 6b (S24), and the determination process is executed (S9). ). When the determination process ends, the image data and its correction parameters are stored in the spooler 6a in association with the order in the “provisional registration” state described above, and the state changes to “waiting for printing”.

  In the above repair procedure, the notification unit 19 is configured to notify the end information when the test printing is completed. However, the notification unit 19 is not limited to this, and the notification unit 19 discharges the test printing from the apparatus. After 20 minutes have elapsed, the end information may be displayed in a pop-up on the monitor 7.

<Specific Embodiment>
An order for reading an image from a negative film will be described.

  FIG. 7 shows an operation screen. Here, the color negative 71 is selected as the image input method, and PJP72 (which means the pre-judgment print method and the determination process is executed) is selected as the print method, the negative film is set in the film scanner 1, and the prescan is executed. Image data (reduced image or thumbnail image) with rough image quality is stored in the storage unit 6b by pre-scanning. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, thumbnail images are displayed on the monitor 7 every six frames. Here, the correction parameters, the number of prints, the print size, etc. are set for each frame. Normally, when the determination process is completed for images of six frames, the next page is switched to and the determination process is similarly performed for images of the seventh frame to the twelfth frame. When the determination process is completed for all the image data in the order, “OK” 36 (see FIG. 3) is clicked to perform the main scan, and the spooler 6a uses the image data and the correction parameters that have been scanned as the order data. To store. As a result, this order is registered as “Waiting for printing” on the order management screen.

  Note that the image for six frames displayed on the screen that has been subjected to the determination process may be subjected to a main scan, and the image data and correction parameters that have been subjected to the main scan may be stored in the spooler 6a. In such a case, the stored image data for six frames and the correction parameters are configured on the order management screen as, for example, a state in which the state is registered as “determination processing in progress” and the print processing is not performed even when the order of the print processing is reached. . Then, the remaining image data is subjected to determination processing, and when the image data and the correction parameters are associated with them and stored in the spooler 6a, the state is switched to “waiting for printing”.

  In this embodiment, the description will be made assuming that the fourth frame image is printed by test printing. That is, the fourth frame image is designated by double-clicking or the like, and is enlarged to display one frame. FIG. 8 shows an example of one frame enlarged display. As shown in FIG. 8, the image of the fourth frame is enlarged and displayed, the area to be test-printed is designated (the area is designated with the mouse after clicking “area designation” 81), and the test print 82 is clicked. . As a result, the pattern of the test print is displayed. FIG. 9 shows the pattern of this test print. When executing the displayed test baking pattern, click “OK” 91. As a result, the image of the fourth frame is subjected to the main scan, and the test print is executed.

  If print processing for another order has not been performed, the image data of the fourth frame scanned in the main scan is sent to the image processing board 9 together with correction data (data related to test print), and is subjected to image processing. Print image data is created. Then, exposure, development, and drying are sequentially performed. The processing time is about 5 minutes, and the operator waits for the completion of the test printing process, and therefore performs another order determination process.

  The operator selects the “interrupt key” on the dedicated keyboard of the input operation unit 8. As a result, the determination process is interrupted, and the image data after the test print target is stored in the storage unit 6b. Further, the image that has undergone the determination process is subjected to a main scan, and the image data and the correction parameters that have been subjected to the main scan are stored in the spooler 6a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the interrupted order is registered in the order management screen with the reception number “No 31” and the state “provisional registration”. It should be noted that the pre-scan image data is stored as it is without executing the main scan, and when the interruption is resumed and the main scan is executed for the remaining images, the main scan is performed together. It may be configured.

  The interruption information indicating that the determination process has been interrupted (for example, “the determination process has been interrupted”) (not shown) on the test baking pattern display screen (FIG. 9) by selecting the “interrupt key”. ) Is displayed. From this display, the operator instructs to switch to the operation screen (FIG. 7). The operator then selects another order. When reading an image from a negative film, a negative film of a newly selected order is set in the film scanner 1, a pre-scan is executed, and a determination process can be performed. Alternatively, if the order image data received via the network can be selected, the order can also be selected. When the determination process for the newly selected order is completed, the image data and the correction parameters are stored as order data in the spooler 6a, and the reception number is registered as “No 32” and the status is registered as “waiting for printing” on the order management screen. Is done.

  By the way, the test printing process is performed during the pre-judge process of the newly selected order. Then, when the test print is discharged from the paper discharge unit 15, the paper sensor 16 detects it, the detection signal is sent to the sensor control unit 17, and the paper detected by the sensor control unit 17 is transferred to the test print. It is determined whether it is a print.

  If the determined result is a test print, the notification unit 19 reads end information stored in advance in a memory (not shown), generates a pop-up display, and displays it on the operation screen (FIG. 7). Display. FIG. 11 shows an example of a screen in which end information is displayed in a pop-up manner. As shown in FIG. 11, on the operation screen, end information (for example, “Test printing has been completed. Please confirm. Select an interrupted order and complete pre-judgement”) is displayed in a pop-up. You can see that. It may be configured so that a pop-up is displayed on the pre-judge screen during pre-judge processing of another new order, and moreover, 15 minutes after the sensor control unit 17 determines that it is a test print. It may be configured to pop up on the operation screen (FIG. 7) or on the order management screen (FIGS. 4 and 10) between the orders and the order determination process, and can be set as appropriate.

  Then, the operator confirms the test print and gives an instruction to resume the suspended order. The operator selects the “temporary registration” order by double-clicking on the order management screen (FIG. 10), and automatically switches to the pre-judge screen. At this time, image data after the test print target image of this order is read from the storage unit 6b, displayed on the pre-judge screen (see FIG. 3), and correction values (color, density) determined from the test print. Value) is entered and the determination process is performed. At that time, the negative film of that order is set in the film scanner 1.

  When the determination process is completed, the user clicks “OK” 36 to execute the main scan, and stores the image data and the correction parameters that have been subjected to the main scan in association with the data of the “temporary registration” order of the spooler 6 a. As a result, the state of the suspended order on the order management screen is switched to “waiting for printing” (not shown). Then, when the order of the print processing comes, the print processing is executed.

  In the above embodiment, when reading an image from a negative film, prescan is performed, determination processing is performed based on the prescanned image data, and after completion of the determination processing, the main scan is performed to read the image data. However, the present invention is not particularly limited thereto, and the main scan may be performed on all images before the determination process. In this case, as described above, when the interruption process is performed, it is not necessary to perform the main scan on the frame image that has been subjected to the determination process.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the case where another order is not printed when the test printing process is executed and the determination process is interrupted has been described. However, another order is printed. In addition, when there is an order in the “print waiting” state, it goes without saying that the suspended order is registered so that the reception number is the last. In such a case, the test print is interrupted during an order waiting for print processing. Then, when the test print is discharged outside the apparatus, the end information is displayed in a pop-up on the monitor 7 at the time of switching between the order and the order processing (determination processing or print processing).

<Another embodiment>
In the above-described embodiment, the test printing process is executed during the determination process of an arbitrary order, and the determination process in the middle is interrupted during the test printing process.

  However, image data other than the frame image to be printed by test printing is included in the image data that has not been subjected to the determination process. In such a case, if the test print is executed after performing the determination process on the image data other than the frame image to be tested, only the image data to be printed will be displayed when the determination process is interrupted and restarted. It is only necessary to perform the determination process.

  Specifically, the processing procedure is as follows. For example, when the image of the fourth frame is determined as the test print target, the “pass key” is selected for the image of the fourth frame. Here, the fourth frame image instructed by the “pass key” is identified as a test print target image. Next, determination processing is performed for all images after the fifth frame (the number of pages is increased and this is also performed for images after the seventh frame).

  Then, the fourth frame image identified as the test print image is displayed again, and the test print process is executed as described above.

  During the test printing process, the “interrupt key” is designated to interrupt the determination process. In response to the interruption instruction, the image data of the fourth frame is stored in the storage unit 6b. Then, on the operation screen, the next order is selected and a determination process is performed. When the determination process ends and the operation screen is displayed, the end information is popped up as described above.

  Then, the operator selects the interrupted order and restarts the determination process in the middle. That is, only the image data of the fourth frame of the test print target image is read from the storage unit 6b and subjected to determination processing.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case of an order in which image data is acquired from a negative film has been described. However, the order is not particularly limited, and an order of print processing from a recording medium that has received an order at the reception terminal 20 is described. Needless to say, the same applies to the above. In other words, if the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 2 is stored in the storage unit 6b, the determination process can be executed by moving to the pre-judge screen in accordance with the stored order or by selecting an arbitrary order. .

  Further, when the determination process is performed again for the order that has been subjected to the determination process, the order stored in the spooler 6a is selected from the order management screen (see FIG. 4), and the determination process is performed by moving to the pre-judge screen. Can be configured.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which only one image for test printing is described has been described. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and it can be configured to perform test printing for a plurality of images. Not too long.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when selecting an interrupted order, a method of selecting a “tentative registration” order on the order management screen by double-clicking it has been described. (Fig. 7) Or on the pre-judge screen (Fig. 3), click the "Temporary Registration Order" button to display the temporary registration order so that you can select the interrupted order, and you can select it appropriately from among them It may be configured.

Conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a photo processing system Block diagram showing functions of photo processing device Figure showing the configuration example of the pre-judge screen Diagram showing the configuration example of the order management screen Flow chart showing the procedure for interrupting and restarting the judgment process Flow chart showing the procedure for interrupting and restarting the judgment process The figure which shows the example of composition of the operation screen The figure which shows the structural example of the screen of a one frame enlarged image A diagram showing an example of the screen layout of a test print pattern Diagram showing an example of the order management screen Figure showing a configuration example of the end information pop-up display screen

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Film scanner 2 Image acquisition part 3 Image communication part 4 Image determination part 5 Order control part 5a Order registration part 5b Print processing control part 6 Storage means 6a Spooler 6b Storage part 12 Exposure engine 16 Paper sensor 17 Sensor control part 18 Interruption of determination processing Means 19 Notification unit 20 Reception terminal 40 Recording device 100 Photo processing device

Claims (5)

Image input means for acquiring image data for creating a photo print, an image determination unit that performs various determinations on the acquired image data, and a print processing unit that generates a photo print based on the image data, A photographic processing apparatus configured to be able to create a test print during determination processing by the image determination unit,
When a test printing process is executed in the first order determination process by the image determination unit, the first order determination process is interrupted, and a determination process interruption unit that enables the second order determination process is provided. A photographic processing apparatus characterized by the above. The determination process interruption means includes:
When the determination process of the first order is interrupted, the image data after the test print target is stored in the storage means,
The photographic processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the interrupted determination process is resumed, the determination process is resumed from image data to be printed by test printing. The determination process interruption means includes:
In the determination process of the first order, after the determination process of all image data other than the image data to be printed by test printing, the test printing process is executed, and the determination process is interrupted.
2. The photographic processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the interrupted determination process is resumed, the determination process for only the image data to be printed by test printing is resumed.   The photographic processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies completion information indicating that the test printing process has ended after the test printing process.   5. The notification unit notifies end information between orders and orders when the interrupted order determination process is not resumed even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after completion of the test printing. The photo processing apparatus according to 1.

Images